Finance Associate at UNFPA

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the leading UN organization in Reproductive Health and Population and Development, is recruiting personnel for the below position:

Job Title: Finance Associate

Ref No.: 50804
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Post Level: GS-6
Duration of Initial Contract: Initial duration of one year

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the overall guidance of the UNFPA Representative and Deputy Representative and the direct supervision of the Operations Manager the Finance Associate ensures the effective functioning of financial operations and systems in support of the programme and office management. S/he works closely with programmes and project staff providing financial monitoring and analysis of projects and advising managers on expenditure trends and implementation rates. S/he ensures effective and efficient functioning of financial operations and systems..

S/he delivers quality services in Financial Management to internal and external clients mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures. S/he takes a client-oriented results-focused approach to interpreting the rules, procedures and guidelines in service of the Country Programme, providing support and guidance to colleagues and UNFPA supported states in Nigeria. S/he works closely with Programme and Project staff providing financial monitoring and analysis of projects and advising managers on expenditure trends and implementation rates.

Finance Associate is expected to maintain collaborative relationships with all technical staff (Programme Officers and project staff) as well as government counterparts. S/he will:

• Support the monitoring of programme financial performance for all core and non-core resources by providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation rate against indicators/results. Detects potential over-under expenditure problems and suggests remedial action;
• Facilitate all payment requests, financial record-keeping and preparation of financial reports required in line with NEX and HACT financial rules and procedures;
• Develop tools and mechanisms for effective monitoring of programme and project budgets, coordinates compilation of financial data and provides accurate and up-dated financial information to UNFPA Field Office in Abuja on a regular basis;
• Integrate financial policies and procedures, particularly relating to National Execution (NEX), into standard operational procedures, and provides guidance and training to staff and project managers accordingly;
• Ensure the effective financial recording and reporting system, internal control and audit follow-up and processes financial transactions in an accurate and timely way;
• Provide logistical and technical support to UNFPA programme staff and implementing partners in Programme Financial Management;
• Review and monitor charges for common services and cost recovery, taking into account maximum cost efficiency and represents UNFPA’s interest in related negotiations and agreements;
• Assist in the formulation of programme/project budgets;
• Provide quality services in administration, procurement, communication and management of office equipment and infrastructure to internal and external clients mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures;
• Establish and maintains contacts with government counterparts and implementing partners to ensure an effective and efficient collaboration;
• Facilitate the conduct of NEX audits and ensures the development and implementation of follow-up actions;
• Facilitate all payment requests, financial record-keeping and preparation of financial reports required in line with NEX and HACT financial rules and procedures;
• Assist in the recruitment and procurement processes, ensuring conformity with UNFPA and Government rules and procedures;
• Assist in the organisation of training activities, ensuring logistical and, where applicable, financial arrangements; and
• Undertake any other assignments as may be required by the Head of DO, Deputy Representative and/or Representative.

Requirements
Qualification and Experience:
The ideal candidate should:

• Be a Nigerian National
• Have a Bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma in Public Administration, Accounting, Business, Economics, or related field of education. Candidates holding Professional Accounting qualifications such as CPA or ACCA will also be considered.
• Have a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience, including at least 3 years in the same functional area. Familiarity with UN Operational Rules and Regulations; direct working experience applying and handling UN Operational rules and regulations, a high advantage and familiarity with ATLAS will be an asset.
• Be Fluent in oral and written English;
• Be proficient in current MS Office software applications and other accounting package is essential.

Required Competencies:
Values:

• Exemplifying integrity
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
• Embracing cultural diversity
• Embracing change
• Core Competencies
• Achieving results
• Being accountable
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen
• Thinking analytically and strategically
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships
• Communicating for impact

Required Skillset:

• Strategically positioning UNFPA programmes
• Providing conceptual innovation to support programme effectiveness
• Generating, managing and promoting the use of knowledge and information
• Providing a technical support system
• Strengthening the programming capacity of implementing partners
• Facilitating quality programmatic results
• Internal and External relations and advocacy for results mobilization

Application Closing Date
4th November, 2014

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online